Al-Imam Ibn Jarir At-Tabari in his tafsir (tafsir At-Tabari) has reported that Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn Mas’ud and other companions (R.A) said that, when Allah (S.W.T) gave us examples of a man who kindled a fire(Surat Baqarah, 2:17), the deaf, the dumb and the blind  (Surat Baqarah, 2:18), a rainstorm from the sky, wherein are darkness, thunder and lightning [???? (Surat Baqarah, 2:19), and the lightning almost snatches away their sight  (Surat Baqarah, 2:20), hypocrites and polytheists said: God is Exalted in Might, He cannot set such examples. Similarly, Al-Imam Al-Qurtubiin his tafsir [Al-JaamiulAhkaamil Qur’an] reported that, in the narrationsof Ata from Ibn 'Abbas (R.A), when Allah (S.W.T) set an example for the gods of the polytheists that, if the fly snatches away a thing from them, they will have no power to release it from the fly, the likeness of those who take (false deities as) auliyaa (protectors, helpers) other than Allah (S.W.T) is likeness of a spider who builds (for itself) a house (Surat Al-‘Ankabuut, 29:41), hypocrites and polytheists said again: It is impossible for God to give such examples. Similarly, Al-Imam Al-Qurtubi reported that Al-Hasan and Qatadahsaid: When Allah (S.W.T) gave the parables of the fly and the spiderin the Qur’an, the Jews laughed and said: This cannot be a revelation from God. Thus, from their words, then Allah (S.W.T) revealed this verse: Indeed, God is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smallerthan it [literally, above it, i.e., greater in smallness]. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, “What did God intend by this as an example?” He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:26)[Saheeh International Translation].

Statement of the Problem

According to the Al-Mawridand Hans Wehrdictionaries, the Arabic word ??? usedin the Qur’an, 2:26 has the meaning of ‘up’, ‘above’, ‘over’, ‘on’, ‘on top of’, ‘top of’, ‘upstairs’, ‘more than’, ‘higher than’, ‘superior to’, ‘more eminent than’ etc. That is why when you read different commentaries of the glorious Qur’an youwill see that even commentators of the famous tafsir of the glorious Qur’an are differing in the meaning of the phrase ????? ?????????. Some say the meaning of this phrase is more than [the mosquito] (Al-Imam At-Tabari and Al-Imam Ibn Kathiretc.), some say is less than [the mosquito](Al-Imam Al-Qurtubi, Muhammad Asad who has quoted Zamakhshari, Al-Imam ibn Kathiretc.]. But there is one tafsir stated in Al-Mawrid Dictionarywhich was not used by the commentators. This tafsir is ‘on’ or ‘on top of’, or ‘above’;meaning that on the bodies of the mosquitoes themselves. Even though more than and higher than are among of the meaningsof the word but actually, the phrase should not be understood as greater than [the mosquito]because such understanding contradicts the immediate reason for the revelation of this verse. Allah (S.W.T)revealed this verse as a response to the hypocrites and polytheists who ridiculed the previous parables [as stated in the introductory part] as being beneath the Majesty of Allah to give similitudes of such minute insects.It is also incongruous and highly speculative to understand it as “less than” the mosquito in view of the meanings of the word ??? itself [as stated above]. It is quite obvious that, at the time they were writing their commentaries, they were not aware that Allah (S.W.T) has also dispersed very small creatures on the bodies of the mosquitoes. This is due to the fact that powerful microscopes were not discovered until 10/11^th centuries later after the departure of the prophet Muhammad (S. A. W).Therefore, the specific focus of this study is to fill this gap by showing the most appropriate tafsir of this   phrase in the light of the current knowledge in medicine.

this study has used a qualitative systematic review study design. the relevant translations of the qur’anic verses were collected from the leading commentators of the glorious qur’an, namely,tafsir al-qur’an al- ‘adhwim of al-imam ibn kathir, al-jaamiulahkaamil qur’an of al-imam al-qurtubi, and the message of the qur’an of muhammad asad. data concerning modern medicine – which from the islamic point of view are signs from allah (s.w.t) – were obtainedfrom the published articles screened frommedline and pubmed databases. key words used werewater mites, parasitize, hyperparasitisim, microbes, normal microbiota, bacteria and mosquitoes. the data obtained were then analyzed using thethematic approach to show what allah (s.w.t) hasshown the medical experts with regard to what he has revealed in thesurat al-baqarah, 2:26.

The verse under discussion [Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:26] points to the two important aspects of mosquitoes: (1) The mosquito itself [see the phrase (Indeed, God is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito)]. (2) What is on its body (‘on’ or ‘on top of’ it)]. With regards to aspect number 1, the Arabic word used in this verse [Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:26] implies a female mosquito. This means that the mosquito which is referred to in this verse is a female mosquito. Man is being invited byAllah (S.W.T)to conduct research and contemplate on the signs of both the morphology and physiology of the mosquitoes, particularly the female mosquitoes, which is not the focus of this study. But in brief, studies show that only the larger female mosquitoes actually bite because they need blood nourishment for egg production [1]. A mosquito is exposed to the pathogen when it takes a blood meal from an infectious vertebrate [orcontaminated environment]. For-example, the virus infects the mosquito, typically first in the midgut and then disseminating the same through its body. When its salivary glands become infected as a result of theviruses present in the mosquito's saliva, she becomes infectious. The next time she takes a blood meal, her food source is exposed to the viruses. If this individual becomes infected, for a period of time that individual will in turn infect other mosquitoes that bite it, and hence the viruses will continueto propagate and spread [1]. Thus, female mosquitoes are the vectors of a broad range of causative agents of harmful viral and parasitic diseases affecting both humans and animals via either contaminating various fomites or through bites [2]; [1]. They carry a broad range of the causative agents of diseases [parasites and viruses] that cause diseases such as Malaria, Zika, Lymphatic filariasis, Dengue, Yellow fever, Chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile fever (WHO, 2020). It is unknown exactly how many people are affected by mosquito bites annually as most go unreported. What is known is that mosquito-borne diseases cause a tremendous disease burden, infecting 700 million and causing a million deaths every year [3] Themention of the sex of the mosquito [female sex]in this verse is the miracle by itself. This is because medical experts were not aware about mosquitoes’sexes until 1897 when Ronald Ross discovered that malaria is caused by the female mosquito [anopheles mosquito] after Antoni van Leeuwenhoek discovered the new world of microbes viahis home-madeprimitive microscope in1676 (Cox, 2010). With regard to aspect number 2, which is actually the focus of this paper, we are not aware of any previous study which has highlighted the meanings of‘on’ or ‘on top of’ to the phrase ????? ????????? in relation to the signs that Allah (S.W.T) has shown medical experts in the modern medicine. Thedata showthat the insects; including mosquitoes, harbormicrobes and parasites, and their diversity varies depending on the sex of the mosquito, the developmental stage, and ecological/environmental factors [4]. The microbesinclude microbes such as pathogens [e.g., bacteria, virus, fungus and protozoa] and normal microbiota [e.g.,Wolbachia]. The parasites include water mites [5]. Most mosquitoes inhabit the aquatic environment rich in organic matter, vegetation, animal cadavers, and dejections,insect’s breeding water and nectar sources. These environments favour the flourishment of microbes and parasites [6]; [7]; Hochberg and Ives 2000). The mosquitoes are exposed to the microbes and parasites during their interactions with the above ecosystems [1]. Some of these microbes and parasites are found ‘within’ the bodies of the mosquitoes in various organs such as the midgut, reproductive organs [e.g., ovaries], Malpighian tubules, and hemocoel. These include viruses [e.g., arboviruses], bacteria(e.g., Wolbachia) and protozoa (e.g., plasmodium). Some are found on the various parts of their bodies such ason head, thorax, abdomen and appendages. These include parasitic water mitesand Wolbachia [8-11]. The phrase is basically referring to this sign. The most reported microbe is Wolbachia.It is found ‘on top’ and ‘within’ the bodies of the mosquitoes. It was first identified in the reproductive tissues of mosquitoes Culex pipens by Hertig and Wolbachia in 1924 and the species was later named Wolbachia pipientis(Guruprasad et al., 2014). In the bodies of the mosquitoes it has been reported to interact with a numberof pathogens and affect their reproduction, which then affect their life cycle. They also indirectly support and up-regulate the mosquito host immune system,helping them to resist the effects of the pathogens such as inhibition of pathogen replication or multiplication. As an alternative to traditional control measures, the bacterial symbiont Wolbachia has been transferred from Drosophila intothemosquito Aedes aegypti,where it can block the transmission of dengue and Zika viruses The most reported parasite on the bodies of the mosquitoes are parasitic water mites in the form of hyperparasitism. This is another thing included in the phrase ????? ?????????.  In the freshwater habitats, water mites (Acari: Parasitengonina: Hydrachinidae) are among the most diverse groups of living organisms. Their life cycle involves egg, pre-larva, larva, three nymphal stages and adult stage. Among these, adults and nymphs are free living, and most larvae act as parasites. Larvae need to parasitize [the mosquitoes or other living organisms] to complete their life cycle. The first record of water mites parasites on mosquitoes was in 1778 by DeGeer; a first entomologist to engage in the research of parasitic water mites on the bodies of mosquitoes. Since then, 241 reports of water mites that parasitize the mosquitoes have been recorded; fifty of them occurred in Europe. The majority of the water mites recorded belong to the genera Thyas, nowadays placed in the genus Parathyas (Hydryphantidae: Euthyadinae) and Arrenurus (Arrenuridae), that both act as obligate ectoparasites on the bodies of the adult mosquitoes In one study a total of 8954 individual mosquitoes; belonging to 6 genera and 23 species, were investigated. All species of water mites preferred female mosquitoes as their host; remember a verse we are discussing mentioned a female mosquito. Only fewer than 6.5% of the male mosquitoes were parasitized by various species of parasitic water mites. During their attachment (on both male and female mosquitoes’bodies), they preferred host’s thorax as compared to the head, pre-abdomen and appendages. Likewise, have reported that the attachment sites for the water mites on mosquitoes are located between the neck and abdomen; with the ventral thorax site being the most frequent one. Unlike Wolbachia, larval water mite hyperparasitism of adult mosquitoes has been shown to reduce mosquito fecundity and life span in the laboratory, and affect some populations in the field. Water mites have been considered for biological control purposes and used to age-grade mosquito populations; On the other hand, their wide occurrence, intensity of infection, parasitic load, and attachment preferences suggest their positive role in biological control of adult mosquitoes; particularly the female mosquitoes that are the vectors of a number of causative agents of various diseases These reports deserve special consideration and reflection.On the one hand, the microbiota ‘within’ the bodies of the mosquitoes influence them positively by interacting with pathogens and shortening their life cycle, and enhancing the mosquito’s immune system, thereby helping them to resist the effects of the pathogens. This helps the mosquitoes finish their life cycles without being affected by the pathogens. On the other hand, the parasites on the bodies of the mosquitoes influence them negatively by weakening them and shortening their life cycle. This shortensthe life cycle of the mosquitoes [which is 8-10 days according to CDC ] and thereby  reducing their population around the world. The exposition of the small creatures on the bodies of mosquitoes which are too small to be seen by our naked eyes (microorganisms), is another miracle. Thisis so because the knowledge about the existence of microorganism was not possible until 1676 when Antoni van Leeuwenhoek discovered the microbes (Cox, 2010). As said earlier, the first record of water mites parasites on mosquitoes was in 1778byDeGeer, and Wolbachia; the most reported microbiota ‘on top’ and ‘within’ the mosquitoes, were first identified in the reproductive tissues of mosquitoes Culex pipens by Hertig and Wolbachia in 1924 This shows that the above verse and the entire Qur’an, are the actual and intact wordsof Allah (S.W.T); the creator of the heavens and Earth. These discoveries were only possible afterthe discovery of different types of microscopes [from 1676 onwards], and prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)did not have any instrument, no matter how primitivewhich could have enabled him to The verse under discussion [Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:26] points to the two important aspects of mosquitoes: (1) The mosquito itself [see the phrase (Indeed, God is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito)]. (2) What is on its body (‘on’ or ‘on top of’ it)]. With regards to aspect number 1, the Arabic word used in this verse [Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:26] implies a female mosquito. This means that the mosquito which is referred to in this verse is a female mosquito. Man is being invited byAllah (S.W.T)to conduct research and contemplate on the signs of both the morphology and physiology of the mosquitoes, particularly the female mosquitoes, which is not the focus of this study. But in brief, studies show that only the larger female mosquitoes actually bite because they need blood nourishment for egg production [1]. A mosquito is exposed to the pathogen when it takes a blood meal from an infectious vertebrate [orcontaminated environment]. For-example, the virus infects the mosquito, typically first in the midgut and then disseminating the same through its body. When its salivary glands become infected as a result of theviruses present in the mosquito's saliva, she becomes infectious. The next time she takes a blood meal, her food source is exposed to the viruses. If this individual becomes infected, for a period of time that individual will in turn infect other mosquitoes that bite it, and hence the viruses will continueto propagate and spread [1]. Thus, female mosquitoes are the vectors of a broad range of causative agents of harmful viral and parasitic diseases affecting both humans and animals via either contaminating various fomites or through bites [2]; [1]. They carry a broad range of the causative agents of diseases [parasites and viruses] that cause diseases such as Malaria, Zika, Lymphatic filariasis, Dengue, Yellow fever, Chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile fever (WHO, 2020). It is unknown exactly how many people are affected by mosquito bites annually as most go unreported. What is known is that mosquito-borne diseases cause a tremendous disease burden, infecting 700 million and causing a million deaths every year [3] Themention of the sex of the mosquito [female sex]in this verse is the miracle by itself. This is because medical experts were not aware about mosquitoes’sexes until 1897 when Ronald Ross discovered that malaria is caused by the female mosquito [anopheles mosquito] after Antoni van Leeuwenhoek discovered the new world of microbes viahis home-madeprimitive microscope in1676 (Cox, 2010). With regard to aspect number 2, which is actually the focus of this paper, we are not aware of any previous study which has highlighted the meanings of‘on’ or ‘on top of’ to the phrase ????? ????????? in relation to the signs that Allah (S.W.T) has shown medical experts in the modern medicine. Thedata showthat the insects; including mosquitoes, harbormicrobes and parasites, and their diversity varies depending on the sex of the mosquito, the developmental stage, and ecological/environmental factors [4]. The microbesinclude microbes such as pathogens [e.g., bacteria, virus, fungus and protozoa] and normal microbiota [e.g.,Wolbachia]. The parasites include water mites [5]. Most mosquitoes inhabit the aquatic environment rich in organic matter, vegetation, animal cadavers, and dejections,insect’s breeding water and nectar sources. These environments favour the flourishment of microbes and parasites [6]; [7]; Hochberg and Ives 2000). The mosquitoes are exposed to the microbes and parasites during their interactions with the above ecosystems [1]. Some of these microbes and parasites are found ‘within’ the bodies of the mosquitoes in various organs such as the midgut, reproductive organs [e.g., ovaries], Malpighian tubules, and hemocoel. These include viruses [e.g., arboviruses], bacteria(e.g., Wolbachia) and protozoa (e.g., plasmodium). Some are found on the various parts of their bodies such ason head, thorax, abdomen and appendages. These include parasitic water mitesand Wolbachia [8-11]. The phrase is basically referring to this sign. The most reported microbe is Wolbachia.It is found ‘on top’ and ‘within’ the bodies of the mosquitoes. It was first identified in the reproductive tissues of mosquitoes Culex pipens by Hertig and Wolbachia in 1924 and the species was later named Wolbachia pipientis(Guruprasad et al., 2014). In the bodies of the mosquitoes it has been reported to interact with a numberof pathogens and affect their reproduction, which then affect their life cycle. They also indirectly support and up-regulate the mosquito host immune system,helping them to resist the effects of the pathogens such as inhibition of pathogen replication or multiplication. As an alternative to traditional control measures, the bacterial symbiont Wolbachia has been transferred from Drosophila intothemosquito Aedes aegypti,where it can block the transmission of dengue and Zika viruses The most reported parasite on the bodies of the mosquitoes are parasitic water mites in the form of hyperparasitism. This is another thing included in the phrase ????? ?????????.  In the freshwater habitats, water mites (Acari: Parasitengonina: Hydrachinidae) are among the most diverse groups of living organisms. Their life cycle involves egg, pre-larva, larva, three nymphal stages and adult stage. Among these, adults and nymphs are free living, and most larvae act as parasites. Larvae need to parasitize [the mosquitoes or other living organisms] to complete their life cycle. The first record of water mites parasites on mosquitoes was in 1778 by DeGeer; a first entomologist to engage in the research of parasitic water mites on the bodies of mosquitoes. Since then, 241 reports of water mites that parasitize the mosquitoes have been recorded; fifty of them occurred in Europe. The majority of the water mites recorded belong to the genera Thyas, nowadays placed in the genus Parathyas (Hydryphantidae: Euthyadinae) and Arrenurus (Arrenuridae), that both act as obligate ectoparasites on the bodies of the adult mosquitoes In one study a total of 8954 individual mosquitoes; belonging to 6 genera and 23 species, were investigated. All species of water mites preferred female mosquitoes as their host; remember a verse we are discussing mentioned a female mosquito. Only fewer than 6.5% of the male mosquitoes were parasitized by various species of parasitic water mites. During their attachment (on both male and female mosquitoes’bodies), they preferred host’s thorax as compared to the head, pre-abdomen and appendages. Likewise, have reported that the attachment sites for the water mites on mosquitoes are located between the neck and abdomen; with the ventral thorax site being the most frequent one. Unlike Wolbachia, larval water mite hyperparasitism of adult mosquitoes has been shown to reduce mosquito fecundity and life span in the laboratory, and affect some populations in the field. Water mites have been considered for biological control purposes and used to age-grade mosquito populations; On the other hand, their wide occurrence, intensity of infection, parasitic load, and attachment preferences suggest their positive role in biological control of adult mosquitoes; particularly the female mosquitoes that are the vectors of a number of causative agents of various diseases These reports deserve special consideration and reflection.On the one hand, the microbiota ‘within’ the bodies of the mosquitoes influence them positively by interacting with pathogens and shortening their life cycle, and enhancing the mosquito’s immune system, thereby helping them to resist the effects of the pathogens. This helps the mosquitoes finish their life cycles without being affected by the pathogens. On the other hand, the parasites on the bodies of the mosquitoes influence them negatively by weakening them and shortening their life cycle. This shortensthe life cycle of the mosquitoes [which is 8-10 days according to CDC ] and thereby  reducing their population around the world. The exposition of the small creatures on the bodies of mosquitoes which are too small to be seen by our naked eyes (microorganisms), is another miracle. Thisis so because the knowledge about the existence of microorganism was not possible until 1676 when Antoni van Leeuwenhoek discovered the microbes (Cox, 2010). As said earlier, the first record of water mites parasites on mosquitoes was in 1778byDeGeer, and Wolbachia; the most reported microbiota ‘on top’ and ‘within’ the mosquitoes, were first identified in the reproductive tissues of mosquitoes Culex pipens by Hertig and Wolbachia in 1924 This shows that the above verse and the entire Qur’an, are the actual and intact wordsof Allah (S.W.T); the creator of the heavens and Earth. These discoveries were only possible afterthe discovery of different types of microscopes [from 1676 onwards], and prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)did not have any instrument, no matter how primitivewhich could have enabled him to conduct even a simple observation. This also shows that all the knowledge from the researchers reported in this study and others, are the signs from Allah (S.W.T). For the Qur’an has specifically stated that promise in theSurat Fussilat, 41:53 and Surat An-Naml, 27:93: We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness? (Surat Fussilat, 41:53). And say, “All praise be to God. He will show you His signs, and you will recognize them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do”

Thisstudy has highlighted how just a very short phrase  in a short verse (Indeed, God is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito)] has traversed a number of details about mosquitoes. These details include their morphology, physiology as well as their parasites and microbes. It has analysed thematically thepresence of parasites and microbes ‘on top’ and ‘within’ the bodies of the mosquitoes, together with their influenceon their physiology; which include how the microbiota influence them positively and how parasites deteriorate them and cut-off their life cycle. This is one areain the mosquito studies which has recently started toreceive more attention from scholars of   medicine.TheQur’an, through a short but compactly packed phrase has managed to incorporateall aspects of the mosquitoes that have been discovered and those which are still under investigation. This unique economy of expression which points out to vast and complex expanses of knowledge is an observable characteristic of the Qur’an in all other fields of study.

Acknowledgements

All Praise is due to Allah (S.W.T), the Cherisher, CreatorandSustainer of the seven heavens and Earth. I wish to register my thanks to Prof. Hamza Mustafa Njozi for his comments to the earlier draft of this paper. I also pay special tribute to my anonymous reviewers.

1. Alphey L, McKemey A, Nimmo D, Oviedo MN, Lacroix R, Matzen K, et al. Genetic control of Aedes mosquitoes. Pathogens and Global Health. 2013; 107:170-179.
2. Atwa AA, Bilgrami AL, Al-Saggaf AIM. Host–parasite interaction and impact of mite infection on mosquito population. RevistaBrasileira De Entemologia. 2017; 61:101-106.
3. Caraballo H, King K. Emergency department management of mosquito-borne illness: malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus. Emergency Medicine Practice. 2014; 16:1-23.
4. Cox FEG. History of the discovery of malaria parasites and their vectors. Parasites & Vectors, 2010; 3:5.
5. Dennison NJ, Jupatanakul N, Dimopoulus G. The mosquito microbiota influences vector competence for human pathogens. Current Opinion in Insect Sciences. 2014; 3:6-13.
6. Girard M, Martin E, Vallon L, Ruguin V, Bellet C, Rozier Y, et al. Microorganisms Associated with Mosquito Oviposition Sites: Implications for Habitat Selection and Insect Life Histories. Microorganisms, 2021; 9:1589.
7. Guruprasad NM, Jalali SK, Puttaraju HP. Wolbachia-a foe for mosquitoes. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2014; 4:78-81.
8. Manges AB, Simmons TW, Hutchinson ML. First Record of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Second Record of Aedes japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) Parasitized by Water Mites (Acari: Hydrachnidiae) in North America. Journal of Medical Entemology. 2018; 55: 1617-1621.
9. Minard G, Mavingui P, Moro CV. Diversity and function of bacterial microbiota in the mosquito holobiont. Parasite & Vectors. 2013; 6:146.
10. Werblow A, Martin P, Dorge DD, Koch LK, Mehlhorn H, Melaun C, Klimpel S. Hyperparasitisim of mosquitoes by water larvae. Parasitology Research. 2015; 114:2757-2765.
11. World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Vector borne diseases. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases. Last accessed on March 16, 2022.